The Effect of Pencil Size and Shape on the Pre-Writing Skills of Kindergartners

Abstract

This study examined the effect of pencil size and shape on the pre-writing skills of children in kindergarten. A sample of 126 kindergartners from a city school in the Midwest participated in the study. The Graphmotor Task Instrument was used in an adapted format to test the children's pre-writing skills while using a triangular shaped pencil, a standard pencil, and a large diameter pencil. The results of the study indicated no effect of pencil size or shape on the quality of the children's writing. Further research is recommended to determine if the adapted writing tools, which are recommended by many teachers and occupational therapists, do improve the handwriting of children with handwriting deficits.

Key Words:

• Handwritingr
• pencil size
• Graphomotor Task Instrument

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Amy Schilling

Michael Lepp, PT, is in private practice, Associate Instructor of the Upledger Institute, and Clinical Instructor, Case Western Reserve University School of Dentistry, Cleveland, OH.

Marie McKenzie, MS, OTR, is in private practice. She was Coordinator of Occupational Therapy at Scottish Rite Hospital at the time of this study.

Heather Miller, MS, OTR/L, is currently employed by Madison County Educational Service Center, providing therapy services to the county's pre-schools. This research was completed in partial fulfillment of the requirements of an MS degree at Ohio State University.

Linda Viscardis, BA, is Team Leader and Community Development Worker, Peterborough Family Enrichment Centre. She is Co-Founder of P.R.O.S.P.E.C.T.S., a support and advocacy group for families who have children with special needs.

Debra Stewart, BSc, OT(C), is Occupational Therapist, Erinoak, Serving Young People with Physical Disabilities, Mississauga, ON, and Clinical Lecturer, School of Rehabilitation Science, McMaster University.

Janette McDougall, MA, was Project Coordinator

Kip Husted, BEd, was a parent representative on the study team.

Aviva Yochman, MA, OTR, was a student in the School of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel at the time of this study.

Imelda Burgman, MA OTR/L BCP, completed her MA in Movement Sciences at Teachers College, Columbia University, and was an Occupational Therapist at The Shield Institute, Bronx, NY. She is currently Lecturer, Habilitation, School of Community Health, Faculty of Health Studies, Charles Sturt University, Albury, N.S.W., Australia.